Is private school cheaper in Des Moines or Tulsa?

Des Moines has lower average private school tuition at $6,900/year vs $7,000/year in Tulsa. That's $100/year less, or $1,300 over a K-12 career.

How much can I save on private school by choosing Des Moines over Tulsa?

Average tuition in Des Moines is $100/year less than Tulsa. Over 13 years (K-12), that's $1,300 per child. Religious schools are the most affordable option in both cities: $4,800/year in Des Moines, $5,100/year in Tulsa.

How do Des Moines and Tulsa private school costs compare to the national average?

The national average private school tuition is $12,350/year. Des Moines averages $6,900/year ($5,450 below average). Tulsa averages $7,000/year ($5,350 below average).

Private School Cost: Des Moines vs Tulsa

Des Moines averages $100/year less for private school (1% cheaper). Over K-12, that's $1,300 per child.

Bottom Line

Des Moines is the cheaper city for private school. Average tuition: $6,900/year vs $7,000/year in Tulsa. Religious schools run $4,800/year on the low end.

Des Moines

$6,900

avg tuition/year

$5,450 below national avg

Lower cost

Tulsa

$7,000

avg tuition/year

$5,350 below national avg

Tuition by School Type & Grade

Category	Des Moines	Tulsa	Difference
All Schools (Average)	$6,900/yr	$7,000/yr	-$100
Religious Schools	$4,800/yr	$5,100/yr	-$300
Independent/Prep	$14,400/yr	$14,500/yr	-$100
Elementary (K-5)	$5,900/yr	$6,000/yr	-$100
Middle School (6-8)	$6,900/yr	$7,000/yr	-$100
High School (9-12)	$8,300/yr	$8,400/yr	-$100

K-12 Total Cost (13 Years)

Des Moines

$89,700

Tulsa

$91,000

Choosing Des Moines saves $1,300 per child over a full K-12 career. Two kids? That's $2,600.

Sample Schools

Des Moines

Dowling Catholic High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $10,400/yr

Des Moines Christian School

Christian · PK–12 · $9,600-$12,000/yr

Tulsa

Holland Hall (Tulsa)

Independent (Episcopal) · PK–12 · $21,400/yr

Bishop Kelley High School

Catholic · 9–12 · $10,800/yr

Full Des Moines breakdown → Full Tulsa breakdown →

Iowa private school costs Oklahoma private school costs

About This Comparison

This comparison uses NCES Private School Universe Survey data, adjusted for metro-level cost-of-living differences. "Average tuition" blends religious schools (Catholic, Christian) and independent day/prep schools. Religious schools typically cost 60-70% less than independent schools in the same city.

Grade-level estimates (elementary, middle, high) are derived from the city average using national grade-level multipliers. High school tuition typically runs 15-25% above the city average; elementary runs 10-20% below.